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Honolulu off the beaten path

Created by Dawna L. Robertson

For those who think that Honolulu is strictly about Waikiki Beach, the best advice is to "get out of town!" This multi-faceted island is packed with surprises, from horseback riding along North Shore trails to swimming with sharks.

While you could certainly hike along these trails, there's something special about exploring this exquisite oceanfront setting high in the saddle. Experience the majestic natural beauty of Oahu's North Shore while horseback riding at Turtle Bay Resort. A picturesque trek along trails tucked within this 850-acre resort is a great way to enjoy the area's spectacular beaches, tropical...
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While you could certainly hike along these trails, there's something special about exploring this exquisite oceanfront setting high in the saddle. Experience the majestic natural beauty of Oahu's North Shore while horseback riding at Turtle Bay Resort. A picturesque trek along trails tucked within this 850-acre resort is a great way to enjoy the area's spectacular beaches, tropical forests and sandy coastline. Group trail rides, evening rides, sunset jaunts and private outings are available. Less

A twist on typical flight-seeing tours, Island Seaplane Service takes off from the water in Keehi Lagoon near the Honolulu International Airport. Depending on the plan you pick, you’ll have a window seat to soak in views of Honolulu Harbor, Waikiki Beach, Diamond Head, Koko Head Crater, Hanauma Bay, Sealife Park, the Pali Pass and the Arizona Memorial.

Swallow your fears and come face to face with one of Hawaii's most majestic and misunderstood creatures of the deep...Sharks! View sharks in their natural habitat in a specially designed cage that not only protects but has plexiglass windows so you can still get that one on one feeling. 5 Years old and over welcome. Mask and snorkel provided, and we have a hot water shower. GoPros on a...
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Swallow your fears and come face to face with one of Hawaii's most majestic and misunderstood creatures of the deep...Sharks! View sharks in their natural habitat in a specially designed cage that not only protects but has plexiglass windows so you can still get that one on one feeling. 5 Years old and over welcome. Mask and snorkel provided, and we have a hot water shower. GoPros on a Go Pole are available for rent to capture your once in a lifetime experience in High Definition. Less

FUN is our mission! Learn to stand up paddle in a calm bay and a lush river where you are greeted by sea turtles, fish, and peacocks. Along the way, our friendly instructors, all of whom are certified lifeguards, will teach you the skills to be confident stand up paddlers. We guarantee that you can stand up and that you'll have a great time with us. Come by yourself or with a group. All...
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FUN is our mission! Learn to stand up paddle in a calm bay and a lush river where you are greeted by sea turtles, fish, and peacocks. Along the way, our friendly instructors, all of whom are certified lifeguards, will teach you the skills to be confident stand up paddlers. We guarantee that you can stand up and that you'll have a great time with us. Come by yourself or with a group. All groups are private – we do not join you with strangers. Lessons are 2 hours and photos are available free of charge. We are available from sun-up to sun-down. We do not have set times; we go when it is convenient for you. If your time permits, come experience our spectacular Sunset Lesson. Ready for even more paddling fun? Join us for our astounding coastal adventure (come see the dolphins!)or our fitness paddle. Stand up paddling with Rainbow Watersports is an ideal activity for paddlers of all abilities, experience, and ages (4 and up). Come drink in our aloha spirit and enjoy what many visitors are calling “the best activity on the island”! Less

Hawaii’s oldest and largest soaring operation, Original Glider Rides has been operating tours at Dillingham Airfield since 1970. Soaring the skies over northwest Oahu, panoramic vistas unfold as your pilot guides you in this bubble-topped aircraft. You’ll be in awe as you fly on the wings of the wind with sights and sensations you’ve never experienced before. A 20-minute flight can...
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Hawaii’s oldest and largest soaring operation, Original Glider Rides has been operating tours at Dillingham Airfield since 1970. Soaring the skies over northwest Oahu, panoramic vistas unfold as your pilot guides you in this bubble-topped aircraft. You’ll be in awe as you fly on the wings of the wind with sights and sensations you’ve never experienced before. A 20-minute flight can attain altitudes of 3,000 ft. or more. Single passengers can kick it up a notch with specialized add-on flight services like aerobatic loop-d-loops and Eagle mini-lessons. Less

At the very end of Mokuleia where the road dead-ends is Kaena Point State Park with its secluded sandy coves and huge wide-open spaces. The hiking trail follows a deeply rutted unpaved Jeep road with dozens of small seaward paths branching off to the ocean’s edge. If you opt to hike the full round-trip trek from Kaena Point to Yokohama Bay on the Leeward Coast, you’ll need roughly three...
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At the very end of Mokuleia where the road dead-ends is Kaena Point State Park with its secluded sandy coves and huge wide-open spaces. The hiking trail follows a deeply rutted unpaved Jeep road with dozens of small seaward paths branching off to the ocean’s edge. If you opt to hike the full round-trip trek from Kaena Point to Yokohama Bay on the Leeward Coast, you’ll need roughly three hours, ample stamina, plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, body cover and your camera. Less

Atlantis Submarines offers an eye-opening journey traveling below the surface to visit shipwrecks, a sunken airplane and other reef structures brimming with exotic marine life. During your 90-minute tour, you’ll explore in a submersible that has a spacious air-conditioned interior, large view ports and comfortable seating. If you haven’t experienced ocean depths before, this tour is the...
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Atlantis Submarines offers an eye-opening journey traveling below the surface to visit shipwrecks, a sunken airplane and other reef structures brimming with exotic marine life. During your 90-minute tour, you’ll explore in a submersible that has a spacious air-conditioned interior, large view ports and comfortable seating. If you haven’t experienced ocean depths before, this tour is the way to get a taste of what you’ve been missing. Less

Duration of visit: 1-2 hours

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Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

About this expert

Dawna L. Robertson is a freelance travel writer specializing in stories from the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico, South Pacific, Asia and throughout the Western United States.

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